For children, a hair appointment can be an overwhelming experience. Many kids don’t trust other people touching their hair or worry that they may not like the style. Building an inviting hair salon comforts these kids and reassures their parents this is a safe place they can return to.
To make your hair salon more kid-friendly, appeal to their wants and needs. Try incorporating these helpful tips and tactics to gain a new relationship with loyal customers.
Create a Welcoming Atmosphere
As they walk through your salon doors, children need reassurance that they’re in safe hands. Brighten your business with kid-friendly decorations and entertainment.
Bright and Cheerful Decor
Vibrant colors and fun designs capture the attention of children. Decorate your workspace with brightly colored walls, decals, or wall prints. Parents won’t have to convince them to step into a new and exciting space because they’ll be surrounded by their favorite colors, animals, and characters.
Friendly Staff
Train your staff to initiate friendly conversations with the children and their parents. A kind word or compliment can help children feel comfortable talking to their hairstylist.
Your staff should be patient and accommodate the child’s needs. Whether they’re sitting in the waiting room or the salon chair, parents should know your staff cares about their kids’ safety. Cultivate a positive working environment and educate your staff about the importance of a kid-friendly space.
Music and Entertainment
Tune into family-friendly channels when you turn on your hair salon radio. Children could enjoy their favorite songs as they wait for their appointment. This keeps them occupied and drowns out any noise from electric razors or hair dryers.
Engage With Parents
Your relationship with your little clients starts by building a strong relationship with their parents. Maintain a professional environment that secures the trust of their parents so they can comfort their children.
Open Communication
Meet their parents’ expectations, and you’ll gain the trust of the children who walk into your salon. Be fully transparent with the parents about booking appointments, services, and any policies your salon follows.
Also, listen to any concerns or preferences they have for their children. This is your chance to get to know the kids before they sit in your chair. Showcase your customer service skills, and the parents will return to your salon after their child’s first visit.
Flexible Scheduling
With work, school, and after-school sports or clubs, it could be hard for families to schedule a haircut. Offer a flexible schedule that considers the family’s obligations.
You could offer special services for early morning, late evening, or weekend appointments that better fit their schedule. Cooperate with the parents and find the perfect time for them to come in for their appointment.
Involvement and Consideration
Building a relationship starts with involvement in the family’s lives. Remember their names and their hairstyle preferences to make the appointment more inviting. These experiences will encourage the parents to reschedule their appointments at your hair salon.
Comfortable Waiting Area
Waiting for the appointment could be an anxious experience for children. Your waiting area should be full of distractions and entertainment so their parents can comfort them. Set the tone for a fun appointment by furnishing your waiting area with children-friendly accessories.
Child-Sized Furniture
Bring out furniture that kids can comfortably relax in. Child-sized chairs, tables, and even couches could lessen their anxiety.
You can also place small bookshelves and stock them with children’s books. Craft an environment that these children can interact with so they can feel more in control of the situation.
Toy Box
A well-stocked toy box could ease a child’s anxiety before their haircut. Update the contents regularly and be sure to clean the toys in between use to maintain a clean environment for both the kids and their parents.
Snacks and Drinks
Offer incentives like snacks and drinks for kids who might get peckish before their haircut. They’re also less likely to be fussy in your salon chair with a satisfied stomach. Healthy and nonperishable snacks like granola bars and juice boxes are great options that won’t cause too much mess in the waiting area, and parents will appreciate the considerate options.
Kid-Friendly Services
Promote your kid-friendly services so parents know that your hair salon caters to their needs. Specialized services set your salon apart from competitors and expand your clientele. Incorporate these products, services, and incentives to make your hair salon more kid-friendly.
Child-Friendly Hair Products
Use and sell gentle, child-friendly hair products that are free from harsh chemicals. This reassures parents about the safety practices your salon follows. Choose products designed to protect and foster hair growth for kids.
Special Haircut Packages
Special haircut packages entice parents and provide children with rewards for their valiant efforts. A kid haircut package could include a small toy or a “bravery” certification to celebrate their haircut. Boost your client’s confidence by offering affordable haircut packages as their first appointment.
Reward System
With each visit, implement a reward system where children can earn stamps or stickers. This builds customer loyalty and acts as an incentive for the parents to return to your salon.
Once they earn a certain number of stamps, grant the kids access to pick out a small prize from a toy box. Fill your toybox with affordable bulk light up toys that reward kids for good behavior. This turns their routine into a positive experience for both them and their parents.
Engaging Activities
Encourage communication in the salon chair by incorporating interactive games or lessons during their visit. This raises engagement and makes the appointment more enjoyable. Parents will watch their children open themselves to the people in your salon and know they’re in good hands.
Interactive Games and Entertainment
When the kids sit in the chair, offer them tablets or a screen to watch while you style their hair. This keeps the children distracted and entertained during the process. Let them choose what to watch or play.
Storytime Sessions
Just like any other client, make small talk with the children to break the ice. Ask them about their favorite hobbies or what their plans are for the rest of the day. This is the chance to get to know them and understand their preferences.
Relate to them on the child level as you make conversation. Feel free to be silly and fun to break them out of their shell. When you create a carefree environment, they’ll be able to express themselves as they please.
Teaching Moments
As you cut their hair, explain to them how each tool works. This way, the hair appointment isn’t a mystery, and they have a full understanding of the process. Carefully let them hold some instruments and turn the appointment into a teaching moment for the kids.
With these minor adjustments, your hair salon could be the perfect place for families around your neighborhood. Provide clear communication and decorate your space to welcome new clients and gain their trust.
Haircuts are a way kids can learn their style. Cultivate the start of a new adventure as they discover the person they want to be.
